Whenuwishuponastar kicks off

The Whenuwishuponastar series for rookie pacing fillies kicked off on Tuesday (Jul. 25) at Woodbine Mohawk Park with a sole harness racing contest for the first leg.

Reigning Jade (Captaintreacherous) took command of the opening round in a coast-to-coast performance. Bob McClure put her on the front in a :27.2 first quarter and rated the middle panels to :56.3 and 1:25.1. No pressure came before mid-stretch, when Singingintherain (Syvlain Filion) attempted a rally from the pocket, but Reigning Jade was a length the best and got home in 1:52.2. Singingintherain held second. Elodie Hanover (James MacDonald) was well clear in third.

REIGNING JADE REPLAY

Reigning Jade’s victory cam in her career debut. The filly races for trainer Shawn Steacy and the ownership  duo of Hudson Standardbred Stable of Hudson and Mark Steacy of Lansdowne. She is the first starter and second foal from the Dragon Again mare Abbijade Hanover. She was a $180,000 purchase at the Lexington Select sale.

The night also played host to the third leg of the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots (OSS) for three-year-old pacing series. Twin Delight (Bettors Delight, McClure, 1:52.2) remained unbeaten in the series this year as she captured the first split. Century Jamila (Bettors Delight, James MacDonald, 1:51.3) also kept her perfect score intact as she held on by a neck in division two. Mending Fences (Artspeak, Doug McNair) won her fourth straight race in a tight win times in 1:53.1. Elises Delight (Bettors Delight, MacDonald), winner of the Ontario-sired Spring Series, won her first leg of the series, motoring late to score by a neck in 1:52.

The second leg of the Whenuwishuponastar is set for Aug. 3 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The fourth tilt of the OSS Grassroots for three-year-old pacing fillies will be held at Hanover Raceway on Aug. 26.

Woodbine Mohawk Park’s next day of racing will feature the top level of the OSS. There will be two divisions each for sex of two-year-old trotter for a total purse of $410,600. The card will begin at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink